Okay, definitely hilarious. It was almost as hilarious as a first time mother calling the first time grandmother because she is sure the new princess child is dying because she will not quit screaming. Well, first child just turned 52. There was lots of crying but never any dying!
Great read! I don’t think I could live in FL & wish my partner would bring doggo to park. They have same cautions.
Video-a few of the content creators I follow use videos that break between cuts (recordings of parks, creator doing activity, relative to content) while still reading. Might help to remove pressure from you on camera but still being able to mix it up.
Audio- perhaps having a friend or collaborator record on your behalf? The automated voice saying “m-h-m” was funny
Just fortuitously found you by accident on x, and read a couple pieces. You remind me of David Sedaris. I’m old, read a ton, and this is high praise. He has self-narrated his audio books. He’s one of the few authors that do whom I enjoy. If you haven’t already, (nearly positive you have, but again, I’m old and my perspective is warped) check him out.
While I don’t think this type of audio/narration will work for tik tok, maybe check out how he’s doing it if he is? Ever since I had twins at 45 I don’t read as much as I used to. I’m not sure if he has a tik tok platform, I’m too busy trying to find energy to deal with my children.
Hey Alex. Really enjoyed this piece. I like that you’re experimenting with audio. It’s good, but I think Ben nailed it with his feedback. I put up my first audio piece a couple of weeks ago and am curious what people think as well. (So far, the only two who’ve said anything know me, which I don’t count.) I won’t link to it here but if you or any of your readers are interested, the essay is called “Legally Speaking, I’m a Good Guy.” Looking forward to your next piece.
Thanks Chris. I've taken down the audio just now! I'm going to try and re-record it and speak way more slowly (which is soooo counter to who I am, but I promise to try haha). Just read the article. You DO, in fact, sound like a good guy haha. Let me copy your audio pacing and see if I can pull it off :)
Ha, thanks! Honestly, I don't even know if my pacing was any good. I think we're both learning at this new-fangled audio business...what will they think of next?
Since you asked, I would like to hear the audio more performative. Not like a presentation or as an actor who might perform a monologue, but as a storyteller who will tell a story.
I think there should be a slower cadence. Allow specific scenarios or statements to sit for a second. Allow the voice to move with the emotion of the words or mirror the scene's absurdity.
There's no reason to be in a hurry. Allow your voice to have the confidence your written voice has.
Okay, definitely hilarious. It was almost as hilarious as a first time mother calling the first time grandmother because she is sure the new princess child is dying because she will not quit screaming. Well, first child just turned 52. There was lots of crying but never any dying!
Great read! I don’t think I could live in FL & wish my partner would bring doggo to park. They have same cautions.
Video-a few of the content creators I follow use videos that break between cuts (recordings of parks, creator doing activity, relative to content) while still reading. Might help to remove pressure from you on camera but still being able to mix it up.
Audio- perhaps having a friend or collaborator record on your behalf? The automated voice saying “m-h-m” was funny
I know you’re right. I keep almost having the guys to do video and then I bail lol
I’ll try doing it in takes and see if that helps.
Just fortuitously found you by accident on x, and read a couple pieces. You remind me of David Sedaris. I’m old, read a ton, and this is high praise. He has self-narrated his audio books. He’s one of the few authors that do whom I enjoy. If you haven’t already, (nearly positive you have, but again, I’m old and my perspective is warped) check him out.
While I don’t think this type of audio/narration will work for tik tok, maybe check out how he’s doing it if he is? Ever since I had twins at 45 I don’t read as much as I used to. I’m not sure if he has a tik tok platform, I’m too busy trying to find energy to deal with my children.
Either way, don’t quit writing, love your voice!
Thanks Julie!
David Sedaris is my favorite writer so that’s huge praise.
I’m going to keep trying to figure out audio.
I think the world is heading away from written prose quite quickly, and I’d love to be on some kind of train to a place I want to go.
Thanks for the note. Very kind.
This is beautiful, funny, so warm with real emotions but your dad, ah your dad...
Idk. I thought it was fun
Hey Alex. Really enjoyed this piece. I like that you’re experimenting with audio. It’s good, but I think Ben nailed it with his feedback. I put up my first audio piece a couple of weeks ago and am curious what people think as well. (So far, the only two who’ve said anything know me, which I don’t count.) I won’t link to it here but if you or any of your readers are interested, the essay is called “Legally Speaking, I’m a Good Guy.” Looking forward to your next piece.
Thanks Chris. I've taken down the audio just now! I'm going to try and re-record it and speak way more slowly (which is soooo counter to who I am, but I promise to try haha). Just read the article. You DO, in fact, sound like a good guy haha. Let me copy your audio pacing and see if I can pull it off :)
Ha, thanks! Honestly, I don't even know if my pacing was any good. I think we're both learning at this new-fangled audio business...what will they think of next?
That was a fun read.
Since you asked, I would like to hear the audio more performative. Not like a presentation or as an actor who might perform a monologue, but as a storyteller who will tell a story.
I think there should be a slower cadence. Allow specific scenarios or statements to sit for a second. Allow the voice to move with the emotion of the words or mirror the scene's absurdity.
There's no reason to be in a hurry. Allow your voice to have the confidence your written voice has.
Okay this is very helpful.
Tbh maybe I can re-record the audio tomorrow with your notes and see if it’s better.